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K Jack planted a tree in memory of James Damer
Friday, February 25, 2022
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In memory of my dearest Uncle James whom I miss profoundly. From his niece Kathleen and family, Edinburgh, Scotland
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Kevin Toal posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
I'll always remember Uncle James and Aunt Mary looking after my brother Michael and I many years ago in the early 70's. I still recall quite vividly being taken to see a Charlie Chaplin movie at the local theatre. This was before DVD and old movies were often dusted off for a fresh audience. Afterwards we would walk along Mt. Pleasant Avenue to their street which was filled with towering maple trees. Uncle James showed us how the seeds could be tossed into the air and spin back to earth like a miniature helicopter. Simple pleasures, but oh so memorable. Their house always seemed warm and inviting. Perhaps it was the paintings which adorned the walls. The stories of the paintings were as fascinating as the work itself. One, which hung over the fireplace had been bought by Uncle James. He thought it could be improved upon and did so himself. No one could tell where his brushstrokes took over it was a flawless job. Next, was the portrait of his father mending shoes. Every so often Uncle James would decide it was time to update his father's wardrobe and take the painting down. Then he would paint his father a new shirt. Uncle James' painting of my dog, Tristan, is one that is still treasured. My daughter Madeline has long-since claimed it as her own. I also remember all the puzzles which seemed to be all over the house. Especially the cube comprised of odd shapes that had to be taken apart and reassembled. This was before Tetris and was immensely more fun. Again, simple pleasures. Uncle James was in the war. The common terminology is to say he 'fought' in the war. However, I can never picture Uncle James as a fighter. He would do what was necessary, but I don't believe there would be any malice behind it. Nor did he take any pleasure in recounting his deeds. He remained very private about his time. If there were ever any debates or arguments around the dinner table during holiday get-togethers Uncle James would adopt a different approach to others. As their voices raised to prove a point, his would soften. It forced people to stop and listen. To me this showed his strength more than anything. He never became angry. To me, Uncle James was a perfect example of what a gentleman was and, if I hear the word 'dapper' I immediately think of him. As children, my brother and I were sometimes told that, if we misbehaved, we would be sent to Aunt Mary and Uncle James in Juvie. This was meant to deter our behaviour. However, thinking back at what a wonderful team they were, this hardly seems likes punishment. There are so many memories, and if this is somewhat rambling, it can't be helped. You can't sum up a life in a few paragraphs. I'm sure many who knew both Uncle James and Aunt Mary will be spending more than a few moments leafing through their own pages of memories. You will be missed, Uncle James. Love, Kevin, Andrea, Lauchlan, and Madeline.
